Hvac unit, a method of generating a network address for a hvac unit and a hvac controller therefor

ABSTRACT

An HVAC controller, a method for operating a HVAC unit and a HVAC unit are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the HVAC controller includes: (1) a memory configured to store a unique default network address for the controller and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate the unique default network address based on a seed value that is uniquely associated with the HVAC unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/180,405, filed by Mark Beste, et al., on May 21, 2009, entitled“Comprehensive HVAC Control System,” and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application is directed, in general, to heating, ventilating andair conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more specifically, to automaticallysetting parameters that are used in the operation of HVAC units.

BACKGROUND

HVAC systems can be used to regulate the environment within an enclosedspace. Typically, an air blower is used to pull air from the enclosedspace into the HVAC system through ducts and push the air back into theenclosed space through additional ducts after conditioning the air(e.g., heating, cooling or dehumidifying the air). Various types of HVACsystems, such as roof top units, may be used to provide conditioned airfor enclosed spaces.

At a particular site, multiple HVAC units may be used to provideconditioned air for an enclosed space. For example, one building mayemploy multiple rooftop units to provide conditioned air. Often each ofthe HVAC units may be coupled to a communications network that allows,for example, the downloading of updates, communicating between otherHVAC units, verifying of commission, verifying of service, remotemonitoring or remote managing. For reliable communications, each HVACunit needs a network address that comports with the communicationsnetwork that is being used. The network address allows directedcommunication to the controller of each HVAC unit. Often, to insureproper communication, each HVAC controller may need to be manuallyprogrammed with a network address that complies with the communicationsnetwork that is being used.

In addition to needing a network address, the HVAC controllers may alsoneed battery back-up to maintain operation when power is lost. Withoutbattery back-up or another type of back-up power source, the HVACcontrollers may be unable to maintain the current date and current timefollowing a system reset. As such, the HVAC controllers may not be ableto determine the current date and time at start-up of each HVAC unit.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an HVAC controller is disclosed that includes: (1) amemory configured to store a unique default network address for thecontroller and (2) a processor configured to automatically generate theunique default network address based on a seed value that is uniquelyassociated with the HVAC unit.

In another aspect, a method for operating a HVAC unit is disclosed. Inone embodiment, the method includes: (1) obtaining, employing acontroller of the HVAC unit, a seed value for a unique default networkaddress for the controller, the seed value uniquely associated with theHVAC unit, (2) automatically generating, employing a controller of theHVAC unit, the unique default network address for the controller basedon the seed value and (3) storing the unique default network address ina memory associated with the controller.

In yet another aspect, a HVAC system is provided. In one embodiment, theHVAC system includes: (1) a network transceiver configured to transmitand receive HVAC data associated with the HVAC unit over acommunications network and (2) a controller to direct operation of theHVAC unit, the controller having (2A) a memory configured to store aunique default network address for the controller for communicating overthe communications network and (2B) a processor configured toautomatically generate the unique default network address based on aseed value that is uniquely associated with the HVAC unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC system constructedaccording to the principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC controller constructedaccording to the principles of the disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating aHVAC unit carried out according to the principles of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure provides embodiments for determining parameters, such asa default network address, that are used in the remote operation of HVACunits. As disclosed in certain embodiments herein, an HVAC controllermay be used to generate the default network address for the HVAC units.Typically, in conventional HVAC systems, a technician manually assignsand enters such parameters for each HVAC unit, which increasesinstallation time, costs, and the possibility of that an erroneousnetwork address might be entered. In contrast, the embodiments asprovided herein provide a HVAC controller that automatically determinesthe default network address. By employing the HVAC controller todetermine the parameters, installation time, cost, and errors may bereduced.

In one embodiment of this disclosure, the HVAC controller may generate aunique network address for an HVAC unit. In aspect of this embodiment,the HVAC controller may employ a Global Positioning System (GPS) toautomatically determine the unique network address. A GPS transceiverlocated with the HVAC unit may be used to provide GPS coordinates thatare used by the HVAC controller to generate the unique network address.In another embodiment, an HVAC controller may use a unique numberassociated with the HVAC unit to generate the unique network address.The unique number may be, for example, a serial number of the controlleror a serial number for the HVAC unit.

The GPS coordinates and the unique number are examples of a seed value.A seed value may be used by the HVAC controller to generate a parametersuch as the unique network address. A seed value is a number or acollection of numbers that is uniquely associated with an HVAC unit. Insome embodiments, the seed value may be an alphanumeric value.

The unique network address that is generated can be stored in a memoryassociated with the HVAC controller for later retrieval. The uniquenetwork address that is generated is compliant with the communicationsnetwork that is being used by the HVAC unit. The unique network addressmay be retrieved to be reconfigured in keeping with an address schemethat is chosen for a particular installation.

In addition to using GPS data to generate parameters, such as, a uniquenetwork address, the GPS data may also be used to determine the currentdate and current time. The HVAC controller may use the time informationincluded in the GPS data to calculate the current date and current time.By maintaining the current date and time via the GPS data, the HVAC unitmay not require a back-up power source such as a battery. Thus, evenwithout a battery back-up, the disclosed HVAC controllers can providethe current date and time at each start-up of the HVAC unit via the GPSdata. The communications network may be used to report the current dateand time at each start-up.

The HVAC controller for each HVAC unit is configured to direct theoperation thereof. As such, the HVAC controller is configured to providecontrol functionality beyond the scope of the present disclosure.Typically, each HVAC unit will include a designated controller. The HVACcontroller may be one or more electric circuit boards including at leastone micro-processor or micro-controller integrated circuit. The HVACcontroller also includes the support circuitry for power, signalconditioning, and associated peripheral devices. In addition to aprocessor, the HVAC controller may include a memory having a program orseries of operating instruction (i.e., firmware or software) thatexecutes in such a way as to implement at least some of the featuresdescribed herein when initiated by the processor.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC system 100constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The HVACsystem 100 includes multiple HVAC units at a single site. In FIG. 1, thesite is a building and the HVAC units are rooftop units. One skilled inthe art will understand that the type of HVAC units in the HVAC system100 may vary. Additionally, each of the HVAC units may be the same type(i.e., model) of HVAC unit or there may be different types of HVAC unitswithin the HVAC system 100. The multiple HVAC units of the HVAC system100 are represented by HVAC unit 110. As such, the following discussionregarding the HVAC unit 110 may also apply to each of the other multipleHVAC units. The HVAC system 100 also includes a Remote HVAC systemmanager 120.

The HVAC unit 110 includes a network transceiver 112, a GPS transceiver114 and a HVAC controller 116. The network transceiver 112 and the GPStransceiver 114 are coupled to the HVAC controller 116. The networktransceiver 112 and the GPS transceiver 114 may be conventional devices.The network transceiver 112 is configured to transmit and receive HVACdata associated with the HVAC unit over a communications network. Thecommunications network may be the Internet. In some embodiments, thecommunications network may be specific for HVAC systems. For example,the communications network may employ the BACnet® (Building Automationand Control Networks) data communication protocol associated with theAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-ConditioningEngineers (ASHRAE). Alternatively, the communications network may employthe LonTalk® protocol from the Echelon Corporation of San Jose, Calif.

The GPS transceiver 114 is configured to process GPS signals receivedfrom GPS satellites and send GPS data based thereon to the HVACcontroller 116. The GPS data includes coordinate information (i.e.,latitude, longitude and altitude), date and time. The GPS transceiver114 is unique to the HVAC unit 110.

One skilled in the art will also understand that the HVAC unit 110 mayinclude heating, cooling and blower (HCB) components that are typicallyincluded in a HVAC unit. The HCB components are not presentlyillustrated or discussed but are typically included in an HVAC unit,such as, a compressor, an indoor air blower, an outdoor fan and anelectrical heating element. Typical components may also include a powersupply, an expansion valve, a temperature sensor, etc. The variouscomponents of the HVAC unit 110 may be contained within a singleenclosure (e.g., a cabinet). The HVAC controller 116 is configured todirect the operation of the various HCB components.

The HVAC controller 116 includes a memory configured to store a uniquedefault network address for the controller for communicating overcommunications network via the network transceiver 112. The HVACcontroller 116 also includes a processor configured to automaticallygenerate the unique default network address based on a seed value thatis uniquely associated with the HVAC unit 110. In one embodiment, theseed value is based on a serial number associated with the HVAC unit. Inanother embodiment, the seed value is based on the GPS data receivedfrom the GPS transceiver 114. The processor may also be configured toemploy the GPS data to determine a current date and a current time forthe controller 116. The memory and processor are not illustrated inFIG. 1. However, FIG. 2 provides more detail of an HVAC controllerconstructed according to the disclosure.

The Remote HVAC system manager 120 may be located away from the site orfrom the HVAC unit 120. For example, the Remote HVAC system manager 120may be located at a HVAC contractor's office or even within the building(illustrated with the dashed lines) at a maintenance supervisor'soffice. Accordingly, the Remote HVAC system manager 120 may receivevarious data from the controller 116 over the communications network viathe network transceiver 112. As illustrated, a wireless connection maybe used to couple the HVAC system manager 120 to the HVAC unit 120.

The Remote HVAC system manager 120 may be a general computing devicehaving a memory and a processor wherein the memory includes a series ofoperating instructions that are used to direct the processor wheninitiated thereby. In one embodiment, the Remote HVAC system manager 120may be a dedicated computing device having the necessary hardware,firmware, software or a combination thereof to perform the designatedoperations disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC controller 200constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The HVACcontroller 200 includes an interface 210, a memory 220 and a processor230. The HVAC controller 200 is configured to direct the operation of aHVAC unit, such as a rooftop HVAC unit. The HVAC controller 200 may alsoinclude additional components typically included within a controller fora HVAC unit, such as a power supply or power port.

The interface 210 may be a conventional interface that is used toreceive and transmit data for a controller, such as a microcontroller.The interface 210 is configured to receive GPS data from a GPStransceiver associated with the HVAC unit. The GPS data includes uniqueGPS coordinates for the HVAC unit from the GPS transceiver. In someembodiments, the location data may be from a receiver of another type oflocation system.

The interface 210 may be a conventional device for transmitting andreceiving data and may include multiple ports for transmitting andreceiving data. The ports may be conventional receptacles forcommunicating data via various means such as, a portable memory device,a PC or portable computer or a communications network. The interface 210may be coupled to a network transceiver or a GPS transceiver to providecommunication between the transceivers and the HVAC controller 200. Theinterface 210 is also coupled to the memory 220.

The memory 220 is coupled to the interface 210 and is configured tostore a unique default network address for the HVAC controller 200. Thememory 220 may be a conventional memory typically located within amicrocontroller that is constructed to store data and computer programs.The memory 220 may store operating instructions to direct the operationof the processor 230 when initiated thereby. The unique default networkaddress may be stored in a dedicated location of the memory.

The processor 230 may be a conventional processor such as amicroprocessor. The processor 230 is configured to automaticallygenerate the unique default network address based on a seed value thatis uniquely associated with the HVAC unit. The processor 230 isconfigured to generate the unique default network address such that itcomplies with a network address scheme of the communications networkemployed by the HVAC unit. The seed value used by the processor 230 maybe obtained from received GPS data. Alternatively, the seed value may bebased on a serial number associated with the HVAC unit. For example, theseed value may be the serial number of the HVAC controller. The seedvalue may be stored in a dedicated location of the memory 220 such asseed value storage 224. The unique default network address may also bestored in the memory 220 at a dedicated location such as address storage226. As such, the unique default network address may be stored in theaddress storage 226 and used for communication. The unique defaultnetwork address may also be reconfigured after installation of the HVACunit. As such, the unique default network address can be changed tocomply with an address scheme that is being used at a particularinstallation site.

The processor 230 is further configured to employ the GPS data todetermine a current date and a current time for the HVAC controller 200.The processor 230 may maintain the current date and time at a dedicatedmemory location, date and time storage 228, of the memory 220. Theprocessor 230 may obtain the date and time information from the GPS datamultiple times during normal operation of the HVAC unit. The date andtime information may be obtained at dedicated intervals. In someembodiments, the date and time information may be obtained periodically.The processor 230 may note the current date and time at each start-up ofthe HVAC unit. By employing the time information from the GPS data, theHVAC controller 200 may reduce or eliminate back-up battery power neededtherefor. The processor 230 may send the current date and timeinformation to a Remote HVAC system manager over a communicationsnetwork via the interface 210. In some embodiments, the processor 230may direct the date and time information be downloaded to a portablememory or a portable computing device via the interface 210.

As noted, the processor 230 can provide a unique default network addressfor the HVAC controller 200 that complies with an address scheme used bythe communications network employed by the HVAC unit. Some networks arelimited to addresses 1-32 due to software or hardware design. Othernetworks may accept more address numbers, but may limit the total numberof devices on the network. To insure proper operation, each of thedevices on a network needs a unique address. In one embodiment, theprocessor 230 may not need to manipulate the seed value to obtain acompliant and unique network address. In some embodiments, the processor230 is configured to manipulate the seed value to obtain a compliant andunique network address. An algorithm or formula may be used to obtain acompliant and unique network address. For example, consider the seedvalue is a serial number. The unique default network address may becalculated by the following equation:

Address=(2*one's digit of the serial number (0-9))+(1.5*ten's digit ofthe serial number (0-9))+(hundred's digit of the serial number (0-9))+3.

If a whole number is not obtained, the calculated address value caneither be rounded-up or rounded-down.

The processor 230 may use other equations to determine the uniquedefault network address based on such factors as the type ofcommunications system used, the number of HVAC units in the network,form of serial numbers used, etc.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method 300 for operatinga HVAC unit carried out according to the principles of the disclosure.The HVAC unit may be a rooftop unit that includes a refrigerationcircuit, an indoor air blower system an outdoor fan system and a heatingelement. An HVAC controller such as described with respect to FIG. 1 orFIG. 2 may be used to perform the method 300. A portion of the method300 may represent an algorithm that is stored on a computer readablemedium, such as a memory of an HVAC controller (e.g., the memory 220 ofFIG. 2) as a series of operating instructions that can direct theoperation of a processor (e.g., the processor 230 of FIG. 2). The method300 begins in a step 305.

In a step 310, a seed value for determining a unique default networkaddress for a controller of the HVAC unit is obtained. The seed valuemay be obtained via an interface of the HVAC controller of a memory ofthe HVAC controller. In one embodiment, the seed value may be obtainedfrom GPS data from a GPS transceiver located with the HVAC unit. Inanother embodiment, the seed value may be a serial number associatedwith the HVAC controller. For example, the serial number may be theserial number for the HVAC controller itself and it may be stored in thememory of the HVAC controller.

The unique default network address is automatically generated by theHVAC controller based on the seed value in a step 320. The HVACcontroller may manipulate the unique default network address to complywith a network address scheme of a communications network employed bythe HVAC unit.

In a step 330, the unique default network address is stored in a memoryassociated with the HVAC controller. The memory may be a memory of theHVAC controller. The stored unique default network address may remainaccessible to be reconfigured after installation of the HVAC unit tocomply with an addressing scheme used at the installation site.

A current date and current time for the HVAC controller may also bedetermined from the GPS data in a step 340. The HVAC controller maydetermine the date and time multiple times during normal operation ofthe HVAC unit. In a step 350, the date and time information is stored inthe memory associated with the HVAC controller. As such, the HVACcontroller may maintain the date and time for the HVAC controller viathe GPS data. The method 300 then ends in a step 360.

The above-described methods or at least portions thereof may be embodiedin or performed by various conventional digital data processors,microprocessors or computing devices, wherein these devices areprogrammed or store executable programs of sequences of softwareinstructions to perform one or more of the steps of the methods, e.g.,steps of the method of FIG. 3. The software instructions of suchprograms may be encoded in machine-executable form on conventionaldigital data storage media, e.g., magnetic or optical disks,random-access memory (RAM), magnetic hard disks, flash memories, and/orread-only memory (ROM), to enable various types of digital dataprocessors or computing devices to perform one, multiple or all of thesteps of one or more of the above-described methods, e.g., one or moreof the steps of the method of FIG. 3. Additionally, an apparatus, suchas dedicated HVAC controller, may be designed to include the necessarycircuitry to perform or direct the performance of steps of the methodsof FIG. 3.

Those skilled in the art to which this application relates willappreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutionsand modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

1. A controller for a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC)unit, comprising: a memory configured to store a unique default networkaddress for said controller; and a processor configured to automaticallygenerate said unique default network address based on a seed value thatis uniquely associated with said HVAC unit.
 2. The HVAC controller asrecited in claim 1 wherein said seed value is obtained from GPS datareceived from a GPS transceiver located with said HVAC unit.
 3. The HVACcontroller as recited in claim 1 wherein said seed value is based on aserial number associated with said HVAC unit.
 4. The HVAC controller asrecited in claim 1 wherein said unique default network address complieswith a network address scheme of a communications network employed bysaid HVAC unit.
 5. The HVAC controller as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid unique default network address is reconfigurable after installationof said HVAC unit.
 6. The HVAC controller as recited in claim 2 whereinsaid processor is further configured to employ said GPS data todetermine a current date and a current time for said controller.
 7. TheHVAC controller as recited in claim 6 wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to maintain said current date and current time in saidmemory.
 8. The HVAC controller as recited in claim 6 wherein saidprocessor is configured to determine said current date and time multipletimes during normal operation of said HVAC unit.
 9. A method foroperating a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) unit,comprising: obtaining, employing a controller of said HVAC unit, a seedvalue for a unique default network address for said controller, saidseed value uniquely associated with said HVAC unit; automaticallygenerating, employing a controller of said HVAC unit, said uniquedefault network address for said controller based on said seed value;and storing said unique default network address in a memory associatedwith said controller.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9 furthercomprising receiving said seed value from a GPS transceiver located withsaid HVAC unit, said seed value obtained from GPS data from said GPStransceiver.
 11. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein said seedvalue is based on a serial number associated with said HVAC unit. 12.The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising comporting saidunique default network address to a network address scheme of acommunications network employed by said HVAC unit.
 13. The method asrecited in claim 9 wherein said unique default network address isreconfigurable after installation of said HVAC unit.
 14. The method asrecited in claim 10 further comprising determining a current date and acurrent time for said controller from said GPS data.
 15. The method asrecited in claim 14 further comprising storing said current date andcurrent time in said memory.
 16. The method as recited in claim 14wherein said determining occurs multiple times during normal operationof said HVAC unit.
 17. A heating, ventilating and air conditioning(HVAC) unit, comprising: a network transceiver configured to transmitand receive HVAC data associated with said HVAC unit over acommunications network; and a controller to direct operation of saidHVAC unit, said controller including: a memory configured to store aunique default network address for said controller for communicatingover said communications network; and a processor configured toautomatically generate said unique default network address based on aseed value that is uniquely associated with said HVAC unit.
 18. The HVACunit as recited in claim 17 wherein said seed value is based on a serialnumber associated with said HVAC unit.
 19. The HVAC unit as recited inclaim 17 further comprising a GPS transceiver located with said HVACunit, wherein said seed value is obtained from GPS data received fromsaid GPS transceiver.
 20. The HVAC unit as recited in claim 19 whereinsaid processor is further configured to employ said GPS data todetermine a current date and a current time for said controller.